Chapter 5

BEFORE

A thin glass wall separates me and the most ruthless CEO in the world. And he might be my future boss.

I’m currently waiting outside his office to be interviewed for the role of his personal assistant. God knows I don’t want this job, but right now there’s nothing else and I need money to help Mom out with living expenses.

After I got the email inviting me to come in for an interview, I looked my potential boss up online and if I wasn’t nervous before that, it really triggered it. Hans Griffin is a beast. He’s notorious for his cold and intimidating demeanour, dark and mysterious ambience and refusal to accept the word ‘no’. He gets what he wants, when he wants it and how we want it. Nothing less.

I’m shaking in my heels.

I opted for the fitted, crimson short sleeve top and skirt set my dad got for me a few months before he died. He always said I looked good in shades of red. I paired the set with ivory heels, gold jewellery and a white purse I borrowed from mom. Thank God Mom kept all her clothes and accessories from before all our money went into dad’s treatments.

I thought I had pulled a good outfit together, one suitable enough for an interview with THE Hans Griffin, until I walked into the building and saw what his workers were wearing. They must be paid immensely well to be able to afford such nice clothes. I looked like I was lost just sitting here. I recognized designer brand after designer brand and it only added to my unease.

Why was I evenWasted to come for this interview. Why did I allow Mom to convince me to come for this? I’m clearly way out of my league here.

“Miss Carter?” A voice snaps me out of my thoughts. The voice belongs to a man in a suit and glasses.

“Yes, that's me.” I say standing up and clutching my purse.

“Mr. Griffin will see you now.” I blink at him in half confusion, half fear.

“Umm... I thought I was going to be interviewed by HR.”

“Mr. Griffin likes to interview his potential PAs himself. If you would just follow me.” He says with an impatient smile. I should’ve figured that out considering they sat me in front of his office and not HR. I mentally sigh before smiling back at him and following him into the beast’s cave.

* * *

Hundreds of women must’ve had this thought before me but he’s even more handsome in person. His piercing blue gaze cuts right through me. He has a little stubble covering the sharpest jawline I’ve ever seen and his lips look soft and...inviting. What is wrong with me?

“You may sit.” He says in a voice that oozes masculinity with every breath. A shiver runs down my spine and I catch my breath. Without responding I slid into the seat facing him and put my purse in my lap. I do not dare to look him in the eye.

“Who’s your father?” He asks. I’m taken aback. Ever since I got the email for this interview I’ve prepared myself for every question they could throw at me. I read up on the history of the company and even some stuff about Mr Griffin himself. I definitely did not expect him to ask about my family. I may not have heard him well.

“I’m sorry?” I say with caution. He gives me a look of slight irritation before erasing it. Like he hates repeating himself but he’s trying to be patient with me.

“Your father. What’s his name?” He asks slower than before. His expression is solid and fixed. I still don’t understand what’s going on.

“Umm...Phillip Carter” I say. His expression doesn’t change but he nods like he just proved something to himself.

“How is he?” His face softens a bit. And I’m wondering why the hell he’s asking about my dad. I’m starting to panic. Dad’s death was two years ago but it still hurts talking about it.

“He’s dead, Sir.” I say finally looking him in the eyes. His eyebrows wrinkle together and his eyes widen slightly before he immediately composed himself, and I get the feeling that’s how he expresses shock. Even his emotions are reserved.

How does he know my dad?!

“When?”

“Two years ago” I say. My eyes still locked on his. “He was sick.” I don’t know why I just said that. Something about this man just makes me want to talk.

He stares at me. Like he’s trying to decide something and his options are written on my face. He does this for almost a minute before he squints a little and hardens his expression.

“You’ll start at 7:30 AM sharp tomorrow. Details of the job and your salary will be emailed to you within the hour and you’ll visit HR to get your office ID processed.”

I blink at him in surprise. My mouth is slightly open. Did I just get the job? What kind of interview was that??

“You may leave now Miss Carter.” He says and just like that, I’m dismissed. I stand up with a confused expression on my face.

“Umm... I got the job?” I ask just for reassurance. He gives me another irritated look.

“Yes,” He says before nodding at the door.

I take the hint. “Thank you sir. I won’t let you down.” I say, still dazed. I head for the hour. The click of my heels is suddenly a tad too loud.

I just got a job. I’m supposed to be filled with joy and celebration. But I feel unease and confusion instead. I still don’t know what just happened.

“Oh and Miss Carter?” He says

“Yes Sir.” I say turning around to face him.

“You are not allowed to wear crimson in this office again.” He orders. His voice is low but firm and I feel it settle in between my legs.

I nod before scurrying out of his office. I take a deep breath before lowering myself into the chair I sat in just before the interview. I try to steady myself to no avail. The guy in the suit and glasses has disappeared.

I replay the interview in my mind again and it still doesn’t make any sense. And what’s wrong with the colour crimson? I should be afraid of this man and I am. But I’m also aroused by him and I hate myself for that.

It’s probably because I haven’t had any action since my last boyfriend and that was three years ago. Dad’s death just encouraged my celibacy.

I hear the click of heels get louder and louder until a pair of YSL stilettos stop right in front of me. I look up to see who they belong to. I’m taken aback by her beauty. She looks so put together. The exact opposite of what I must look like right now.

“Are you Miss Carter? Mr. Griffin’s new personal assistant?” She asks with a smile showing perfect dentition.

My brain hurts as I answer.

“I guess so.”